The United States and the Cook Islands have commenced discussions aimed at jointly exploring and developing seabed mineral resources within the Cook Islands’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), according to an official joint statement released on 5 August 2025.
As part of the partnership, both nations plan to collaborate on mapping and researching the Cook Islands’ seabed mineral potential. The initiative is positioned as a step toward fostering responsible development of deep-sea resources while contributing to global scientific knowledge of the ocean floor.
“Together, we commit to advancing responsible development of seabed minerals and global scientific understanding of the deep ocean, and to setting a high standard for transparent seabed resources management,” the joint statement read.
The governments say the initiative will support long-term economic growth and prosperity for the Cook Islands and its citizens.
This marks the second major international engagement for the Cook Islands in the seabed minerals sector this year. In February, the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Ministry of Natural Resources focused on the exploration, management, and utilization of seabed minerals.
The US has also signaled increased interest in deep-sea resource development. In April, President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to fast-track the growth of the country’s domestic deep-sea mining industry, citing the need to secure critical mineral supply chains.
As global demand for critical minerals intensifies, deep-sea exploration is drawing greater geopolitical interest, with Pacific nations like the Cook Islands emerging as important players in shaping the future of seabed resource development.
